A mysterious date awaits

Curtain Call Theatre dinner theater production set for Valentine’s Day

Taylor Muller/@TaylorMullerKDE

Curtain Call Theatre is setting the table for a romantic dinner production this Valentine’s Day featuring love sonnets, a catered meal with a side of murder.

The one-night production of “Love Writes a Deadly Verse” lays out the unfolding scene of an annual meeting among poetry enthusiasts and an ensuing murder and investigation that puts audience members in the role of detectives, discussing clues and interviewing characters to unravel the mystery.

“From the time the guests arrive, they will be greeted by a cast member, approached by an undercover detective and will mingle with various suspects and supporting members before the crime has happened,” said Phil McIntosh, with Curtain Call and the production’s director.

Once the murder is known, the race is on to decipher the play’s clues and characters.

“Everything that happens in the evening, from the moment the audience walks in, is laced with a clue,” McIntosh hinted.

The actors have been preparing for the production, but in unconventional ways. Rather than run through scenes or rehearse lines, the actors have been memorizing their characters, who they are, where they are from and what they think, feel and say.

“Because of its improv nature, we don’t get together or rehearse scripts,” McIntosh said. “Each person is given background info, how they know characters, their relationship, how much they know and what they can and cannot reveal.”

The production creates unique challenges for the actors, who in addition to staying within character must focus on presenting their facts and selves accurately.

“It’s really important for you to be good at knowing what you know and what you don’t know,” said Gina Rybkowski, who plays gift-shop owner Harriet Heartly. “It’s challenging and fun.”

“Everything is about your interactions with the audience,” said Kevin Martin, who plays mechanic Arpy Emms.

The cast is comprised of about 15 members, including about 10 suspects, one victim and approximately five supporting actors.

The production will be presented at the Journal Printing Building Thursday with doors opening at 6 p.m. and dinner starting at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Wooden Nickel restaurant, located at 114 S. Elson St.